§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ *(5.40.) THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERGUSSON,) Manchester, N.E.The hon. Member in charge of this Bill has been exceedingly courteous in postponing it from time to time because it required our consideration. Her Majesty's Government have for some time had under contemplation the amending of the law relating to marriages in British Embassies and Consulates and on board Her Majesty's ships. The difficulty of dealing with this question has been increased by the various changes that have taken place of late years in the Marriage Laws of foreign countries; but, considering that it may be some time before we can deal fully with this question, and that this Bill deals with a recognised grievance, Her Majesty's Government are prepared to assent to its Second Reading on the understanding 930 that it will be necessary to introduce in Committee provisions to guard against undue extension or abuse of the system, and providing that full notice shall be given of the intention to celebrate a marriage at an Embassy or Consulate, that the lex loci shall be satisfied, and that registration shall be duly made.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed for To-morrow.